Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Carolina Chickadee -- Parus carolinensis

RANGE: Resident from southern Kansas, central Illinois, central Ohio, and
central New Jersey south to central and southeastern Texas, the Gulf Coast and
northern peninsular Florida. Wanders casually to the north and southward.

STATUS: Common.

HABITAT: Inhabits coniferous and deciduous woodlands; prefers forest
and forest edge habitats similar to, but more moist and warm than, those preferred
by the black-capped chickadee. Also frequents swamps, thickets, second-growth
woodlands, parks, and brushy areas.

NEST: Usually excavates nest holes in dead, decayed tree trunks or
in dead limbs of living trees. Occasionally nests in old woodpecker holes or
natural cavities. (The nest and eggs of this species cannot be distinguished
from those of the black-capped chickadee.) Chooses willow, pine, cottonwood,
poplar, pear, and cherry for nest trees.

FOOD: Has very similar food habits to those of the black-capped chickadee.